Trident Medical Center Performs First Spectra Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant In United States

Thursday, February 7, 2013

North Charleston, S.C. / February 7, 2012 – On Wednesday January 9, Trident Medical Center became the first hospital in the country to perform a Precision Spectra Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) implant. The surgery was performed by neurosurgeon Dr. Jason Highsmith, who is one of just 10 surgeons nationwide trained in implanting this device.
The device, which was created by Boston Scientific, relieves pain by delivering electrical pulses to the spinal cord. Instead of feeling pain, patients experience a tingling sensation. Individuals control the level of pulses sent by a handheld remote control, giving them the ability to change the amount of pulses depending on the level of discomfort they are feeling.
“This device is the most technologically advanced implant available today for the control of chronic pain,” said Dr. Highsmith.
Until now, SCS systems have offered a maximum of 16 contacts and two lead ports, with each lead port allowing the placement of one lead. The contact is the area on the lead that provides stimulation to the patient. The lead is a catheter that is threaded through a needle or inserted through a laminotomy to the desired level in the spine through the lead port.
By providing 32 contacts and four lead ports—twice that of any other SCS system—the Precision Spectra System offers more coverage of the spinal cord for the management of chronic pain. The Precision Spectra System is the world's first and only SCS system with 32 contacts and 32 dedicated power sources.
“Trident Health strives to remain on the cutting edge of technology. We are excited to be chosen as the location for the first implantation of the Spectra IPG in the nation. This is a great addition to the wide variety of spinal procedures that are offered at Trident Medical Center,” said Donna Daws, Trident Medical Center Director of Surgical Services.
Trident Health is an HCA hospital system comprised of two acute care hospitals – Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center – as well as Moncks Corner Medical Center. The Joint Commission recently named Trident Health to their list of the nation's top hospitals for quality and safety. In 2011, Trident Health provided almost $45 million in charity and uncompensated care and contributed $38 million in taxes. Accredited by The Joint Commission, Trident Health is committed to providing quality health services along with wellness information and opportunities to the communities it serves. For more information about Trident Health, please visit our website at www.tridenthealthsystem.com or call 843.797.7000.

Comments

Notice about comments:

The Journal Scene is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. We do not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not The Journal Scene.

If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Read our full terms and conditions.